Bursting Bags Outdoor Science Experiment Popping Burping Fun

Burping bags, yep kids love this easy science! Our bursting bags outdoors science activity is a MUST try and a classic. Experiment with a baking soda and vinegar reaction that’s a real blast. Kids love things that fix, pop, bang, explode, and erupt. These bursting bags do just that! We have tons of simple science experiments and STEM activities you are going to love to try!

BURSTING BAGS OUTDOOR SCIENCE

This simple science activity has been on our to-do list for awhile now because it’s a classic! Sometimes referred to as the exploding lunch bag, our bursting bag outdoor science is the perfect way to get your kiddos excited about science! Who doesn’t love something that explodes.

Baking soda and vinegar reactions make for exciting science activities.

Actually it’s best to take this one outdoors because it could get quite messy. Perfect for a nice day to get outdoors for summer science.

BURSTING BAGS OUTDOOR SCIENCE INFORMATION

Even the youngest scientist can learn a little something about the science behind the bursting bags. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar creates a gas called carbon dioxide. You can see this in fizzy drinks like our fizzy lemonade science activity!

The gas then fills the bag. If there is more gas than room in the bag, the bag will burst, pop, or explode. Similar to a volcano science activity erupting. There’s no place for the gas and liquid to go but up and/or out.

The key to really cool outdoor bursting bags is getting the right ratio of baking soda and vinegar. This is also what makes it such a fun science experiment for kids of multiple ages. Older kids can record data, make careful measurements, and re-test. Younger kids will enjoy the playful aspect of it all.

BURSTING BAGS SUPPLIES

Head to the kitchen to gather your supplies. A well stocked pantry especially with plenty of baking soda and vinegar ensures that you have fun science on hand any time you want!

HOW TO MAKE BURSTING BAGS

We chose to use the toilet paper method to slow down the chemical reaction enough that we could see what was happening with our bursting bags! It’s all about the anticipation.

We had to change around the original recipe from Steve Spangler as it wasn’t working for us. We also seemed to have had strong bags (which were store brand). Dollar store bags may produce different results.

As you can see there’s lots of room for experimentation here! Next time, we might just try out the small sand which size baggies instead.

To get started with your bursting bags outdoor science project, you want to create a toilet paper pouch for the baking soda.

Take one square of toilet paper and place a heaping tablespoon of baking soda in the middle.